Datti Baba-Ahmed Declares 2027 Presidential Bid, Says Ambition Predates Obi’s Politics

Former Vice-Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election.

The declaration was made during a rally held at the Labour Party’s national secretariat in Abuja, where party members, supporters, and stakeholders gathered to witness the announcement, PulseNets learnt.

The development comes barely one week after former presidential candidate of the party, Peter Obi, announced his exit from the Labour Party for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a political move that has continued to generate debate within Nigeria’s opposition space.

Addressing supporters at the event, Baba-Ahmed dismissed suggestions that his decision was influenced by Obi’s recent defection, insisting that his ambition to become president was long-standing and independent of any individual’s political trajectory.

“I have presented myself to seek the mandate of Nigerians in 2027. This decision is not about following anyone or replacing anyone,” Baba-Ahmed told supporters, according to remarks obtained by PulseNets.

He further stressed that his presidential aspiration predates the 2023 general elections, urging party faithful to verify the timeline of his political journey.

“Let me remind everyone here that before His Excellency, Peter Obi, submitted his presidential forms, I had already declared my own interest in running for president. These are facts on record, and they are open for all to confirm,” he said.

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Baba-Ahmed’s declaration is expected to reshape internal dynamics within the Labour Party ahead of the 2027 general elections, as the party navigates leadership questions and strategic positioning in the wake of Obi’s departure, PulseNets reported.